10-Day Family-Friendly Jain Food-Friendly Sikkim Exploration

Day 1: Arrival and local sightseeing

Gangtok, Sikkim, India on May 24, 2025

9:00am

Arrival in Gangtok

Check into your hotel and freshen up for the day ahead. Choose a hotel that informs kitchen staff about Jain food preferences to ensure proper meals.
Variable, 1h

10:30am

Enchey Monastery visit

Visit Enchey Monastery, a peaceful Tibetan Buddhist monastery dating back to the 19th century and a serene place to start your trip.
INR 20, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Taste of Tibet (Jain options available)

Enjoy freshly prepared vegetarian and Jain-friendly meals with Tibetan flavours, offering dishes without onion, garlic, or root vegetables to accommodate Jain dietary restrictions.
INR 350 per person, 1h

2:00pm

MG Road Gangtok

Explore the vibrant MG Road for shopping, local handicrafts, and cafes with some vegan and Jain food options nearby.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at The Square, Hyatt Regency (Jain cuisine available upon request)

Relish a luxurious dining experience offering Indian cuisine adapted to Jain dietary requirements in a comfortable hotel restaurant.
INR 800 per person, 1.5h

Day 2: Gangtok sightseeing

Gangtok, Sikkim, India on May 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your hotel (Jain breakfast options requested in advance)

Enjoy a wholesome Jain-friendly breakfast curated by hotel chefs.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Visit this renowned centre for Tibetan culture and history to understand the rich heritage of the region.
INR 50, 1.5h

11:00am

Ganesh Tok

Head to this peaceful viewpoint overlooking Gangtok and the Kanchenjunga mountains, ideal for family photo opportunities.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Taste of Tibet or similar with Jain options

A repeat dining at a familiar place to ensure Jain food comfort for the family with wholesome dishes.
INR 350 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Tsomgo Lake and Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial

Take a guided tour to this glacial lake and nearby memorial to enjoy natural beauty and important local sites; open until 5 pm.
INR 600 per person (incl. permits), 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Square, Hyatt Regency or similar with Jain food

Relax with a delicious Jain-adapted meal after a day of sightseeing.
INR 800 per person, 1.5h

Day 3: Gangtok to Pelling

Pelling, Sikkim, India on May 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a Jain-friendly breakfast.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Pelling

Drive approximately 4 hours to the scenic town of Pelling, en route enjoy lush landscapes. Carry snacks if needed for Jain diet.
Taxi fare approx. INR 2500, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at a local Pelling restaurant

Request Jain-friendliness at local hotels or restaurants such as The Elgin or others who cater to dietary needs.
INR 400 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Pemayangtse Monastery

Explore one of Sikkim’s oldest and most beautiful monasteries, known for its architecture and spiritual significance.
INR 30, 1.5h

4:00pm

Rabdentse Ruins

Walk around the historic ruins of the ancient kingdom, offering lovely views over Pelling valley.
INR 50, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Elgin or similar with Jain options

Dine at an upscale hotel restaurant with prior request for Jain meal preparations.
INR 800 per person, 1.5h

Day 4: Pelling local exploration

Pelling, Sikkim, India on May 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a Jain-friendly breakfast at your accommodation.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Khecheopalri Lake visit

Visit this holy lake considered sacred by Buddhists and Hindus, with pristine waters surrounded by lush forest.
Free, 1.5h

11:00am

Kanchenjunga Falls

Take a short trek or drive to this beautiful cascading waterfall, a peaceful nature spot.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at local restaurant with Jain options

Confirm Jain-friendly meal with local establishments to ensure dietary comfort.
INR 400 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Pelling Skywalk and Singshore Bridge

Experience the skywalk with stunning Himalayan views and visit the longest suspension bridge in Sikkim.
INR 100, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner in hotel or nearby restaurant with Jain choices

Sample local and Indian vegetarian dishes adapted for Jain food preferences in a relaxed setting.
INR 600 per person, 1.5h

Day 5: Travel to Lachen

Lachen, Sikkim, India on May 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a Jain-compliant breakfast before the journey.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Lachen

Journey approximately 5-6 hours to Lachen, a quaint village known as gateway to the north. Carry Jain snacks as options nearby may be limited.
Taxi fare approx. INR 3000, 6h

2:00pm

Lunch at Lachen guesthouse

Many guesthouses serve simple vegetarian food; inform about Jain preferences to avoid onion and garlic.
INR 300 per person, 1h

3:30pm

Local exploration

Walk around Lachen village enjoying the Himalayas' charm and peaceful atmosphere.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at guesthouse

Ensure the meal is prepared following Jain dietary requirements for a comfortable dining experience.
INR 300 per person, 1h

Day 6: Lachen to Lachung

Lachung, Sikkim, India on May 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Start your day with a freshly made Jain-friendly breakfast.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Visit Gurudongmar Lake (optional early morning trip)

If acclimatised, visit this stunning high-altitude lake, one of the highest in the world. Requires permits and early start.
Permit approx. INR 500, 4h (including travel)

1:00pm

Lunch in Lachen guesthouse or on the way

Travel-friendly vegetarian lunch with Jain considerations to be carried or requested in advance.
INR 300 per person, 1h

2:30pm

Drive to Lachung

Short 2-hour drive to Lachung, a charming village known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Taxi approx. INR 1500, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Lachung village

Take a leisurely stroll and interact with locals to learn about their culture.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at guesthouse with Jain options

Make sure your dietary preferences are communicated clearly for a comfortable evening meal.
INR 300 per person, 1h

Day 7: Yumthang Valley and Zero Point

Lachung, Sikkim, India on May 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Have a nourishing Jain-friendly breakfast to prepare for the day’s excursions.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Visit Yumthang Valley

Explore the beautiful Youtmhang Valley also called the ‘Valley of Flowers’, renowned for its breathtaking scenery; open daily from early morning until sunset.
INR 200 permit, 2h

11:00am

Zero Point visit

Proceed beyond Yumthang Valley to Zero Point, where snow is found almost throughout the year, ideal for family photo ops and snow experiences.
Included in Yumthang permit, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch in Lachung

Return and have lunch with Jain food requests at your guesthouse or local eatery.
INR 300 per person, 1h

3:00pm

Relax and explore local handicrafts

Spend time shopping for local woollens and handicrafts, good for souvenirs.
Variable, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner

Enjoy your final night meal in Lachung with Jain-compliant dishes.
INR 300 per person, 1h

Day 8: Return to Gangtok

Gangtok, Sikkim, India on May 31, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Eat a Jain meal before the journey back to Gangtok.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive back to Gangtok

Approximate 6-hour drive to Gangtok, take breaks and carry Jain-friendly snacks.
Taxi approx. INR 3500, 6h

2:00pm

Check into Gangtok hotel

Rest and refresh before evening plans.
Included, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Flower Exhibition Centre

Explore colourful varieties of flowers and flora unique to Sikkim, open till 6pm.
INR 30, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at hotel or nearby Jain-friendly restaurant

Dine comfortably with Jain menu options pre-arranged.
INR 700 per person, 1.5h

Day 9: Local Gangtok excursion

Gangtok, Sikkim, India on June 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Jain-friendly breakfast to start your day.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Tashi Viewpoint and Ganesh Tok revisit

Morning visit to panoramic views over Gangtok and the Himalayas, pleasant and peaceful with kids and family.
Free, 1.5h

11:00am

Rumtek Monastery

Visit the largest monastery in Sikkim with spectacular architecture and cultural significance, open till late afternoon.
INR 50, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Taste of Tibet or local Jain-friendly restaurant

Revisit a favourite spot offering Jain delicacies.
INR 350 per person, 1h

3:00pm

Do Drul Chorten Stupa

Visit one of the most important religious structures in Gangtok, a tranquil spot ideal for reflection.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Square, Hyatt Regency

Final gourmet Jain meal in Gangtok before departure.
INR 800 per person, 1.5h

Day 10: Departure

Gangtok, Sikkim, India on June 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have your last Jain-compliant breakfast in Sikkim.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Checkout and departure

Prepare for your journey home or to next destination, with hotel assistance for onward travel arrangements.
Variable, 1h